I am looking at getting the Pixel 6 (or possibly the 6 pro) and was checking out the Google store where they sell different versions of the 6/6pro.
I'm on Verizon and my current pixel is a Verizon version which has a locked bootloader. I've bricked my device twice because of failed OTAs and I want my next one to be an unlocked Google version instead of the locked down Verizon version. I want to be able to install TWRP like I used to with my Samsung devices (I left Samsung devices when they started locking them down).
In the fine print, it says the unlocked version does not work with Verizon's mmWave network (5G).
Is this correct? If I get an unlocked version it will not work with the fastest version of 5G? Or is this because it works with any carrier and they all use different 5G bands?
TLDR: I want a version that I can unlock the BL. Will I lose out on 5G if I buy this version? Pardon the question if this has already been answered in some of the other google 5G devices like the pixel 4/5 +5G forums...
gcodori said:
I am looking at getting the Pixel 6 (or possibly the 6 pro) and was checking out the Google store where they sell different versions of the 6/6pro.
I'm on Verizon and my current pixel is a Verizon version which has a locked bootloader. I've bricked my device twice because of failed OTAs and I want my next one to be an unlocked Google version instead of the locked down Verizon version. I want to be able to install TWRP like I used to with my Samsung devices (I left Samsung devices when they started locking them down).
In the fine print, it says the unlocked version does not work with Verizon's mmWave network (5G).
Is this correct? If I get an unlocked version it will not work with the fastest version of 5G? Or is this because it works with any carrier and they all use different 5G bands?
TLDR: I want a version that I can unlock the BL. Will I lose out on 5G if I buy this version? Pardon the question if this has already been answered in some of the other google 5G devices like the pixel 4/5 +5G forums...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The unlocked version doesn't have the fastest version of 5g for Verizon but Verizon has that so few spots that it's basically worthless at this point. Maybe in 3 years it will be worthwhile but I wouldn't buy a phone based on that spec.
Pixel 6 and 5G: This Should Clear Things Up
Confusion around Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro 5G support has us answering your questions and confirming networks.
www.droid-life.com
Ah cool. So the short answer for Verizon is:
6 Pro - locked or unlocked works on all 5G frequencies, so get the unlocked one.
6 unlocked - does not have mmW. But Verizon mmW sux at the moment (depends where you live) so no big loss...
6 locked - works with Verizon bands but is locked by VZW
gcodori said:
Ah cool. So the short answer for Verizon is:
6 Pro - locked or unlocked works on all 5G frequencies, so get the unlocked one.
6 unlocked - does not have mmW. But Verizon mmW sux at the moment (depends where you live) so no big loss...
6 locked - works with Verizon bands but is locked by VZW
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. For non-pro Pixel 6, mmW is only available on the Pixel 6 locked version from Verizon.
To be honest, look at the coverage map for mmW to see if you get any use out of it. It is so limited that most won't see a beneift. It does suck Verizon will not offer a lock non-mmW version so people can take advantage of trade-in deals and such.
NavySpark said:
Correct. For non-pro Pixel 6, mmW is only available on the Pixel 6 locked version from Verizon.
To be honest, look at the coverage map for mmW to see if you get any use out of it. It is so limited that most won't see a beneift. It does suck Verizon will not offer a lock non-mmW version so people can take advantage of trade-in deals and such.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't realize this when I ordered my P6 but I agree it is not a huge deal at this point. I am still getting mostly LTE at home and work on VZW and slower 5g on my Pixel 5 every once in a while right now. I have had two work phones, one on TMobile and the other on AT&T both Galaxy phones and I was getting faster speeds on 5g when I had it. I am tempted to go TMobile as I now get just as good coverage at my house as Verizon.
alershka said:
I didn't realize this when I ordered my P6 but I agree it is not a huge deal at this point. I am still getting mostly LTE at home and work on VZW and slower 5g on my Pixel 5 every once in a while right now. I have had two work phones, one on TMobile and the other on AT&T both Galaxy phones and I was getting faster speeds on 5g when I had it. I am tempted to go TMobile as I now get just as good coverage at my house as Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TMobile's 5G still needs a lot of work. For me, it's less stable and speed improvements are negligible most of the time. Their LTE does just fine and I get good enough reception and speed for me.
My main reason to be with TMobile is the price I pay for our 5 lines, can't beat it.
NavySpark said:
TMobile's 5G still needs a lot of work. For me, it's less stable and speed improvements are negligible most of the time. Their LTE does just fine and I get good enough reception and speed for me.
My main reason to be with TMobile is the price I pay for our 5 lines, can't beat it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you planning to get your Pixel 6 from T-Mobile? If so, have you heard anything about how the monthly updates will work with T-Mobile Pixels vs. Google Pixels? Will it be direct from Google or indirect from T-Mobile?
BTW, I also stay with T-Mobile since my monthly has been under $100 for a decade+ for 3 lines.
phaino00 said:
Are you planning to get your Pixel 6 from T-Mobile? If so, have you heard anything about how the monthly updates will work with T-Mobile Pixels vs. Google Pixels? Will it be direct from Google or indirect from T-Mobile?
BTW, I also stay with T-Mobile since my monthly has been under $100 for a decade+ for 3 lines.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought my Pixel 6 directly from Google this time. I have been exclusively doing unlocked phones for last 3-4. Main reason is the delay in updates and features. I love how Google updates most apps and features separately of the OS update. I find many carrier phones lump upgrades together. Also give me the option to try beta softwares and such.
I usually sell on Swappa but actually doing a trade-in with Google since they offered me $375 for my Pixel 5.
NavySpark said:
I bought my Pixel 6 directly from Google this time. I have been exclusively doing unlocked phones for last 3-4. Main reason is the delay in updates and features. I love how Google updates most apps and features separately of the OS update. I find many carrier phones lump upgrades together. Also give me the option to try beta softwares and such.
I usually sell on Swappa but actually doing a trade-in with Google since they offered me $375 for my Pixel 5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with having the direct 'link', so to speak.
I, on the other hand, have a tendency to keep phones a few years, e.g, last 4 were Nexus 5 unlocked, Pixel unlocked, One Plus 6t (T-Mobile MSM converted to international version), and next Thursday the Pixel 6 (probably T-Mobile version).
First after Motorola razor, was My Touch 3g.
phaino00 said:
I agree with having the direct 'link', so to speak.
I, on the other hand, have a tendency to keep phones a few years, e.g, last 4 were Nexus 5 unlocked, Pixel unlocked, One Plus 6t (T-Mobile MSM converted to international version), and next Thursday the Pixel 6 (probably T-Mobile version).
First after Motorola razor, was My Touch 3g.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very nice. I try to keep phones a whole but prior to this had two unfortunate events where I dropped it had needed to replace them. The Pixel 5 been solid but the features and price of the Pixel 6, coupled with my trade value, I decided to upgrade.
Not to hijack this thread, but I have a similar question. AT&T is not going to whitelist my OnePlus 5T for VoLTE, so I was going to get an unlocked Pixel 6 (GB7N6), but if they don't whitelist the unlocked pixel 6, then I'm out of luck for it working there too, right? I'm not concerned about mmW, but not being able to use the phone as a phone (voice / VoLTE) will be a problem. But I don't want a locked phone.
Can anyone provide some insight?
thanks in advance.
freonchill said:
Not to hijack this thread, but I have a similar question. AT&T is not going to whitelist my OnePlus 5T for VoLTE, so I was going to get an unlocked Pixel 6 (GB7N6), but if they don't whitelist the unlocked pixel 6, then I'm out of luck for it working there too, right? I'm not concerned about mmW, but not being able to use the phone as a phone (voice / VoLTE) will be a problem. But I don't want a locked phone.
Can anyone provide some insight?
thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You hit the nail on the head, it is up to AT&T to whitelist. They have previously whitelisted Google phones so I think you will be ok.
This is what I found from AT&T concerning unlocked phones. File says updated October 13th 2021.
https://www.att.com/idpassets/images/support/wireless/Service-Capabilities-Unlocked-Devices-ATT-Network.pdf
I knew about the mmWave situation when I purchased my Pixel 6 and was fine with it; I bought the unlocked model for exclusive use on Verizon. I'm in the middle of North Dakota, and I'm just not worried about it. I haven't even looked at a coverage map, but my cellular bandwidth speed isn't ever why I purchase a phone. I also bought the unlocked version if I decide to root the device in the future.
mmWave 5g is currently being installed at large facilities where you will find a high density of people Places like airports and sports arenas.
This is because mmWave technology has a very short range and it generally won't penetrate buildings. I doubt mmWave 5g will EVER be used in a lot of places, but I certainly would not worry about it in this generation of phones. Even if you live in a large city (like LA) where mmWave is "rolled out" it is only going to work at these large facilities like the coliseum and airport. If you live in a medium or small city, you won't have mmWave coverage for years - perhaps ever.
There is no way I would pay $100 more for the Verizon phone with mmWave - even if I lived in a big city.
sic0048 said:
mmWave 5g is currently being installed at large facilities where you will find a high density of people Places like airports and sports arenas.
This is because mmWave technology has a very short range and it generally won't penetrate buildings. I doubt mmWave 5g will EVER be used in a lot of places, but I certainly would not worry about it in this generation of phones. Even if you live in a large city (like LA) where mmWave is "rolled out" it is only going to work at these large facilities like the coliseum and airport. If you live in a medium or small city, you won't have mmWave coverage for years - perhaps ever.
There is no way I would pay $100 more for the Verizon phone with mmWave - even if I lived in a big city.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Similar to the initial Roll Out of 4G an d 5G. Its going to need time to grow.
NavySpark said:
TMobile's 5G still needs a lot of work. For me, it's less stable and speed improvements are negligible most of the time. Their LTE does just fine and I get good enough reception and speed for me.
My main reason to be with TMobile is the price I pay for our 5 lines, can't beat it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagreed...in the Baltimore region, when there is traffic jam, 5G would connect, LTE would just stalled.
Vio281 said:
I disagreed...in the Baltimore region, when there is traffic jam, 5G would connect, LTE would just stalled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would agree some areas are always better than others but as a whole I believe it still needs a lot of work. The SA rollout is impressive but I still get a lot of "hang" time on true 5G compared to LTE.
This is in multiple areas of the country during my travels over the last year.
Wouldn't the network on which you wish to operate the device require a set parameter in the OS that allowed signals from the provider to be deciphered? Back in the day we simply called this 'the radio', and if you wanted to switch providers you had to make sure the device could 'talk' to the new network after you installed a new SIM card. You did that by comparing the device specs with what bandwidths the provider was broadcasting on. If the Pixel you buy shows in its specifications list that it works with the band your provider broadcasts on, it's then a case of ensuring the ROM you run on the device can make use of that particular radio band. Pretty simple, tbh...
NavySpark said:
You hit the nail on the head, it is up to AT&T to whitelist. They have previously whitelisted Google phones so I think you will be ok.
This is what I found from AT&T concerning unlocked phones. File says updated October 13th 2021.
https://www.att.com/idpassets/images/support/wireless/Service-Capabilities-Unlocked-Devices-ATT-Network.pdf
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The above link was updated on November 4th and AT&T has indeed whitelisted the Pixel 6 (GB7N6). I ordered that phone from Google last week and still waiting for it to arrive. So I can't verify yet if VoLTE and wifi calling will work yet. I can update this post when I get the phone.
rlstapp said:
The above link was updated on November 4th and AT&T has indeed whitelisted the Pixel 6 (GB7N6). I ordered that phone from Google last week and still waiting for it to arrive. So I can't verify yet if VoLTE and wifi calling will work yet. I can update this post when I get the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good stuff, I am sure you will have no issues as long a the provisioning happens properly. My unlocked Pixel 6 had no isse with T-Mobile utilizing an eSim.
Related
Looked into Sprints Community Forum to see if they will support this device and it looks like they will not. I am getting this phone and it looks like I'll be leaving Spint.
Here is the thread to the forum. https://community.sprint.com/baw/message/1052157#1052157 Wanted to share in case anyone else is getting it in hopes that Sprint would support it.
Sprint generally tries to avoid factory unlocked phones so their bloatware stays in place.
Yep, Sprint has strict control over what is allowed access to their network. While the A7 has all the bands for Sprint usage, ZTE has said that they're working with Sprint (and Verizon) to get it approved for their networks.
I wouldn't bother too much with what Sprint_Jeffrey & co. said, they are probably in a similar position to the people within ZTE who claimed just days before the boot-loader unlock announcement that they would not be allowing unlocking of the boot-loader. Until an announcement is made by the Sprint people responsible for such things reps like Sprint_Jeffrey & co. are as much in the dark as the rest of us.
What I've heard about this phone and other unlocked phones with Verizon and Sprint support built into the hardware is.
From official channels you will get no support for the device and you can't go to the store and activate the phone.
But most of the time if you take an existing sim from your current phone and pop it in the new unlocked phone it will work just fine. It's worth a shot before leaving sprint if you like the existing service you have.
Unless you were already planning to leave for the greener pasture of GSM service, so many more device options available which is why i only consider GSM carriers myself.
Don' t know about Sprint but swapping in an active SIM from Verizon does NOT work. Been trying for three weeks. I am going to AT&T.
jaseman said:
Don' t know about Sprint but swapping in an active SIM from Verizon does NOT work. Been trying for three weeks. I am going to AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you are disagreeing with the, probably, 50 posts I've seen with Verizon working on the Axon 7? I'm getting mine delivered today and will be trying it out tonight. I'm expecting it to work.
Eh, you won't miss Sprint. You could probably go with a cheaper service like Cricket and have better coverage, anyway. Verizon is the only CDMA carrier worth using, but you pay out the bum for the pleasure.
jaseman said:
Don' t know about Sprint but swapping in an active SIM from Verizon does NOT work. Been trying for three weeks. I am going to AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works with my active Verizon SIM fine. Full bars Band 4 LTE, full bars CDMA, no roaming indicator (yet).
xtermmin said:
Works with my active Verizon SIM fine. Full bars Band 4 LTE, full bars CDMA, no roaming indicator (yet).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried again with Verizon and it is a no go. I hope those of you who are stuck with Verizon can get things worked out. I suppose Verizon will start to play nice in due time. I, however, have moved on to AT&T pre-paid. Took about 10 minutes for them to get my Axon 7 working properly. There were other ZTE devices in the store also. At least one other cell phone and a couple of other items. So they are already familiar with ZTE and had no trouble getting things setup correctly. Bye-Bye Verizon!
jaseman said:
I tried again with Verizon and it is a no go. I hope those of you who are stuck with Verizon can get things worked out. I suppose Verizon will start to play nice in due time. I, however, have moved on to AT&T pre-paid. Took about 10 minutes for them to get my Axon 7 working properly. There were other ZTE devices in the store also. At least one other cell phone and a couple of other items. So they are already familiar with ZTE and had no trouble getting things setup correctly. Bye-Bye Verizon!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you make sure to use the SIM1 slot instead of the SIM2/microSD slot? Only SIM1 is CDMA enabled.
I don't know why Sprint and Verizon are dicking around. Moto G4 and Google Nexus phones can run on their networks why not ZTE Avon?
rczrider said:
Eh, you won't miss Sprint. You could probably go with a cheaper service like Cricket and have better coverage, anyway. Verizon is the only CDMA carrier worth using, but you pay out the bum for the pleasure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not if you have RingPlus. I have 5 RingPlus free monthly lines each having 6000 mins/ text/ MB waiting to be ESN swapped out to better equipments
ultrasoul said:
Not if you have RingPlus. I have 5 RingPlus free monthly lines each having 6000 mins/ text/ MB waiting to be ESN swapped out to better equipments
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have RingPlus with a "free" ($15 initial top-up) 1400 plan. And it's great that you have 5 nice plans, but let's be honest, R+ isn't the same as it was last year. Plans like that don't come up much (if ever) anymore and when they do, the hoops make it a real PITA. I'll be surprised if R+ is even around in another year.
And in any case, it's still Sprint and Sprint's network is literally the worst you can use. It's great if you never travel and don't need service outside of cities, but "free" is the only case in which I would use their network. I use R+ with my Moto E as a streaming music player when I'm on the beach or out mowing or doing something else where the phone might get trashed.
xtermmin said:
Did you make sure to use the SIM1 slot instead of the SIM2/microSD slot? Only SIM1 is CDMA enabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, all attempts were in SIM slot number 1 only. Constant roaming. On AT&T now and all is working great for less money. No brainer if you can do it.
jaseman said:
Yes, all attempts were in SIM slot number 1 only. Constant roaming. On AT&T now and all is working great for less money. No brainer if you can do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Er, constant roaming is normal... it's one of the many bugs that the A7 has on Verizon right now. Just had to check "data when roaming" and you would have been good to go.
xtermmin said:
Yep, Sprint has strict control over what is allowed access to their network. While the A7 has all the bands for Sprint usage, ZTE has said that they're working with Sprint (and Verizon) to get it approved for their networks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint locks their RUIM/SIM cards to the MEID of the device. Verizon does not engage in this 'anti-consumer' practice.
So can I just put a Sprint Note 4 sim in the Axon 7 and it will work?
I switched from sprint to cricket when I bought the axon 7. Got a good deal for signing up for auto pay and the signal has been wayyy better (in Pittsburgh). I drive all around town for work and only ran into one (almost) dead spot.
Active iPhone Sprint SIM doesn't work in Axon 7
sounreal said:
So can I just put a Sprint Note 4 sim in the Axon 7 and it will work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No this almost surely won't work. Though it's hard to be 100% sure as Sprint is so finicky with their different SIM card types...my Sprint phone is an iPhone 6S so perhaps the SIM isn't as friendly to Android phones (which is ridiculous but Sprint really does differentiate Android vs. iOS SIMs, which I found out the hard way)...
But I tried anyway with my FreedomPop Sprint SIM...below are some pictures of what happened. The Axon 7 showed a signal and a 4G/LTE icon, but the internet connection didn't work (it just shows a constant upload indication) and there was no 1X signal either when I checked LTE Discovery. So it seems that Sprint is effectively blocking the Axon 7 (as it would any non-Sprint MEID'd phone I believe) from making a data connection or making calls/texts.
It's a shame...Verizon doesn't do this...my Verizon SIM works great in the Axon 7...this is purely a Sprint limitation it seems, which is funny as they're the most desperate of the four major carriers and yet make it nearly impossible to do business with them even though we have a perfectly viable Sprint phone in the Axon 7.
Sprint binds the imei, icc id and phone number to the account. Everything has to match or you get no service.
Sprint is dead, move to a different carrier.
As regular XDA folks, many knew the tight bond between Honor and XDA. While that's great for the development of a device, there are somethings that got compromised in view10 hence I couldn't go for it. Most probably you'd also need to skip for some of the reasons!
USB v2!!! (Come on Honor, This is 2018)
Mono cam as 2nd lens (Though honor claims it enhancing Pic, we see Mate 10 doesn't have Mono sensor nor OP3 with single cam+HDR+ captures stunning pics)
LCD (This is not a bumper for all, but I felt just like many other LCDs minimum brightness device can go to is bit bright and hurt my eyes during Night dark scenes. AMOLED is welcome)
Flagship coming with Bluetooth v4.2 in 2018?
No clarification of LTE+ (In India hardly manufactures reach out to consumers. I love the way Honor does it via XDA. But I posted this question https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=75249748&postcount=97 and https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=75234210&postcount=1081 and am still confused if it supports CA or not! For Indian band answer is nowhere available http://www.huawei.com/en/news/2017/9/Huawei-Kirin970-Rohde-Schwarz Still no answers after a week! )
Camera hump ( Not a big deal for me anyway)
Long term software support (Honor seems to give only 1 year of software OS/sec. patch support)
[*]No ROMs available so far
[*]Unavailability of AOSP ROM and Honor trying to force EMUI (At XDA everyone loves features on top of AOSP. But Honor seems to welcome dev without sharing vanilla AOSP sources on top of which EMUI is built. I'd love to see fully functional AOSP in EMUI. While Thanks to Treble,Thats been worked out, if Honor hellps devs out that would mean much dev-friendly device and also comeup ROMs in https://forum.xda-developers.com/honor-view-10/development ) Calling big boys to party with free phones hopefully ensures this https://www.xda-developers.com/honor-announces-developers-honor-view-10-recipients/
Few other points I missed.,
@ermacwins No EIS or OIS
No one universal model (v10 has Region specific models, Check https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=75394470&postcount=19)
I hope to get some answers @[email protected]_USA @DrGreenway
Thus with this list is the max no cons one can come up with. If none of this feels like Con then not even Oneplus has a better device at this price point for this. Hope Honor takes these Inputs to make me their future iterations..!
"No ROMs available so far"
Phh-Treble boots. So does Uber too, but we're rebasing on CAF. Until I see sources from Honor, I and other developers can't do much, but at least they are trying
"USB V2"
It is type C, and it's pretty fast. I don't see the problem here.
Regarding the mono camera lense... Is that even a con? It's pretty damn good. Took some 20mp shots the other day when I went to the hospital and they are beautiful.
And not providing an AOSP based ROM is distant. Would I prefer it? Yes. But the only three OEMs I've seen doing this are Sony, OnePlus, and Google (obviously). Their AI wouldn't be as prominent either. I sort of get what you're saying though. Nothing a custom ROM can't fix
BUT. None of those issues are actual problems for me. I have a really hard time critiquing the device. Only thing I wish it had is waterproofing and US bands.... Best device I've ever had to date.
CertifiedBlyndGuy said:
"No ROMs available so far"
Phh-Treble boots. So does Uber too, but we're rebasing on CAF. Until I see sources from Honor, I and other developers can't do much, but at least they are trying
---"USB V2" It is type C, and it's pretty fast. I don't see the problem here.
---Regarding the mono camera lense... Is that even a con? It's pretty damn good. Took some 20mp shots the other day when I went to the hospital and they are beautiful.
---And not providing an AOSP based ROM is distant. Would I prefer it? Yes. But the only three OEMs I've seen doing this are Sony, OnePlus, and Google (obviously). Their AI wouldn't be as prominent either. I sort of get what you're saying though. Nothing a custom ROM can't fix
BUT. None of those issues are actual problems for me. I have a really hard time critiquing the device. Only thing I wish it had is waterproofing and US bands.... Best device I've ever had to date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah thats exactly my point. I'm great that devs are working for Treble but unless OEMs like Huawei help with some AOSP blobs/sources its difficult. Also, phone is supposed to get its software support die pretty soon (like in a year, which is unreasonable for a flagship grade phone)
Also, I use Samsung T3 pocket SSD, which connect via USB-C. Most of laptops also connect like that. Why should I compromise with terrible speeds of 34MBps max when my Phone has UFS storage of 200MBps and SSD more than that, due to decade old USB version? USB-C is just a socket, Bus version matters.
Camera, As you agreed pics are good using a single lens. 2nd cam in the phone seems a total waste of space, wherein If Wide-angle lens has gone in it would have been much useful!
About AOSP while others are doing it, for software development that's critical. Else no one dev will hope into dev. You have N no. of phones, Samsung/LG/etc devices where hardly any ROM will be developed expect stock. I'm hoping this phone with such great hardware shouldn't go through that same thing. For AI and stuffs all those can be part of /vender so that /system can seemlessly evolve...
Waterproof and US Bands are good points, what I am emphasizing is Honor seems like they're imitating OnePlus to give better device and I am justifying that they still don't listen to hardcore android freaks despite they pertain to that...
arvindgr said:
Yeah thats exactly my point. I'm great that devs are working for Treble but unless OEMs like Huawei help with some AOSP blobs/sources its difficult. Also, phone is supposed to get its software support die pretty soon (like in a year, which is unreasonable for a flagship grade phone)
Also, I use Samsung T3 pocket SSD, which connect via USB-C. Most of laptops also connect like that. Why should I compromise with terrible speeds of 34MBps max when my Phone has UFS storage of 200MBps and SSD more than that, due to decade old USB version? USB-C is just a socket, Bus version matters.
Camera, As you agreed pics are good using a single lens. 2nd cam in the phone seems a total waste of space, wherein If Wide-angle lens has gone in it would have been much useful!
About AOSP while others are doing it, for software development that's critical. Else no one dev will hope into dev. You have N no. of phones, Samsung/LG/etc devices where hardly any ROM will be developed expect stock. I'm hoping this phone with such great hardware shouldn't go through that same thing. For AI and stuffs all those can be part of /vender so that /system can seemlessly evolve...
Waterproof and US Bands are good points, what I am emphasizing is Honor seems like they're imitating OnePlus to give better device and I am justifying that they still don't listen to hardcore android freaks despite they pertain to that...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having a ROM closer to AOSP wouldn't help development at all sadly. You could put Hello Kitty ROM on the thing and there's no determent or aid for developers.
I'm aware that type C is a socket. I'm getting speeds higher than v2 though. I don't use it enough outside of fastboot to really care.
We will be getting sources for the thing pretty soon actually. As far as what we get, it's up to us developers to push for it. They've contacted a few of us directly to reinforce what we need.
Lack of carrier aggregation is the only reason stopping me to buy Honor View 10. I tried to find the info everywhere even Honor India support is clueless if CA is available in this device
No EIS or OIS is definitely a con
no image stabilization and at least for now a lack of root.
CertifiedBlyndGuy said:
"No ROMs available so far"
Phh-Treble boots. So does Uber too, but we're rebasing on CAF. Until I see sources from Honor, I and other developers can't do much, but at least they are trying
"USB V2"
It is type C, and it's pretty fast. I don't see the problem here.
Regarding the mono camera lense... Is that even a con? It's pretty damn good. Took some 20mp shots the other day when I went to the hospital and they are beautiful.
And not providing an AOSP based ROM is distant. Would I prefer it? Yes. But the only three OEMs I've seen doing this are Sony, OnePlus, and Google (obviously). Their AI wouldn't be as prominent either. I sort of get what you're saying though. Nothing a custom ROM can't fix
BUT. None of those issues are actual problems for me. I have a really hard time critiquing the device. Only thing I wish it had is waterproofing and US bands.... Best device I've ever had to date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does have US bands. It supports I believe 4 LTE bands on ATT which is who I have its just that you'll have to call their device management department to get the correct APN settings to get any data. I also have had to resort to using allo to send and receive MMS.
It supports only one band I think of t-mobile but you still can get 2 or 3g speeds.
---------- Post added at 12:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:25 PM ----------
Eagle1337 said:
no image stabilization and at least for now a lack of root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has root I just unlocked my bootloader and rooted earlier today using the FH mate tool easily.
---------- Post added at 12:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:26 PM ----------
saifi2649 said:
Lack of carrier aggregation is the only reason stopping me to buy Honor View 10. I tried to find the info everywhere even Honor India support is clueless if CA is available in this device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carrier aggregation is supported I see it as an option on mine and its on. This is in the US however.
whymista said:
It does have US bands. It supports I believe 4 LTE bands on ATT which is who I have its just that you'll have to call their device management department to get the correct APN settings to get any data. I also have had to resort to using allo to send and receive MMS.
It supports only one band I think of t-mobile but you still can get 2 or 3g speeds.
---------- Post added at 12:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:25 PM ----------
It has root I just unlocked my bootloader and rooted earlier today using the FH mate tool easily.
---------- Post added at 12:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:26 PM ----------
Carrier aggregation is supported I see it as an option on mine and its on. This is in the US however.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. I know. But right now I pay $20 a month to TM for unlimited data with our plan. To pay AT&T $80 a month doesn't make sense to me. It would literally be cheaper to go with a Pixel 2 XL with everything maxed out at that point through the Google store if it's looked at that way. Nonetheless though, I love the phone.
CertifiedBlyndGuy said:
Yeah. I know. But right now I pay $20 a month to TM for unlimited data with our plan. To pay AT&T $80 a month doesn't make sense to me. It would literally be cheaper to go with a Pixel 2 XL with everything maxed out at that point through the Google store if it's looked at that way. Nonetheless though, I love the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn how do you only pay that much?! I definitely love this phone. I know that later they're supposed to release it in the US and I've seen one seller on ebay that is based in the US so maybe thats the version you could always see.
whymista said:
Damn how do you only pay that much?! I definitely love this phone. I know that later they're supposed to release it in the US and I've seen one seller on ebay that is based in the US so maybe thats the version you could always see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5 of us share a plan. My brother, my sister in law, her mother, her cousin, and me. 10gb with turnover into the following month... So kind of unlimited. I don't ever usually pass 4gb lol. Data saver and everything are always enabled and I don't stream crap except for music through Spotify on the bus and when I walk.
I'm going to see if someone couldn't upload the US firmware so I can see whether or not it is a hard block. If it is, I may just forget it and get a Pixel 2 XL and put monthly payments down for that. It would be disappointing but there isn't much I can do
CertifiedBlyndGuy said:
5 of us share a plan. My brother, my sister in law, her mother, her cousin, and me. 10gb with turnover into the following month... So kind of unlimited. I don't ever usually pass 4gb lol. Data saver and everything are always enabled and I don't stream crap except for music through Spotify on the bus and when I walk.
I'm going to see if someone couldn't upload the US firmware so I can see whether or not it is a hard block. If it is, I may just forget it and get a Pixel 2 XL and put monthly payments down for that. It would be disappointing but there isn't much I can do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do find US firmware definitely post it up I'd definitely use it
whymista said:
It does have US bands. It supports I believe 4 LTE bands on ATT which is who I have its just that you'll have to call their device management department to get the correct APN settings to get any data. I also have had to resort to using allo to send and receive MMS.
It supports only one band I think of t-mobile but you still can get 2 or 3g speeds.
---------- Post added at 12:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:25 PM ----------
It has root I just unlocked my bootloader and rooted earlier today using the FH mate tool easily.
---------- Post added at 12:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:26 PM ----------
Carrier aggregation is supported I see it as an option on mine and its on. This is in the US however.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this point, the V10 for the US/North America is vaporware. It was supposed to have launched on 8 January along side the International and Indian versions. That was the statement made at the 5 December London event. Then the V10 page disappeared from Honor's US website and suddenly the US/North American version launch date and price weren't going to be made available. Very recently, the V10 page reloaded on Honor's US site, but it doesn't contain any specs about the 4G FDD bands that will be supported. It should be more than AT&T's bands since it should be able to support Canada (Mexico pretty much uses AT&T bands)--T Mobile's established FDD bands should be supported, but Samsung will probably remain the only brand including radios for T Mobile's new spectrum in phones this year. Honor needs to post all the 4G FDD bands in the specs, it's not acceptable to only say FDD--that gives absolutely no information on carrier support.
I checked I had T-Mobile and at least the international one only supports 2 or 3g with them. It supports all of their noon or most of their non LTE bands but only one of the LTE which means no LTE. I finally got everything working on att including MMS. just took a few days att recognized the device as essentially a flip phone and only capable of 2g. After talking to the a few times they simply changed some settings on their end and I'm more than happy with it. I wouldn't even wait for the US version assuming it ever comes.
Yut kill
whymista said:
If you do find US firmware definitely post it up I'd definitely use it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The US/North American V10 hasn't been released, no release date or pricing information has been announced. Everything was pushed back from a stated 8 January launch without explanation. It looks like the earliest that they may begin shipping the US/North American version is Q2--we're almost to February. If it doesn't ship by Q2, then I wouldn't expect to see a US/ North American version at all.
---------- Post added at 06:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:47 PM ----------
whymista said:
I checked I had T-Mobile and at least the international one only supports 2 or 3g with them. It supports all of their noon or most of their non LTE bands but only one of the LTE which means no LTE. I finally got everything working on att including MMS. just took a few days att recognized the device as essentially a flip phone and only capable of 2g. After talking to the a few times they simply changed some settings on their end and I'm more than happy with it. I wouldn't even wait for the US version assuming it ever comes.
Yut kill
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The vast majority of AT&T's LTE markets still primarily use FDD Band 17, which isn't supported by the International version. You're fortunate that you're in a metropolitan area that supports a lesser used band that's included in the International version. My region and my roaming areas are all FDD Band 17 only. You may have issues when you have to roam in other areas of the US.
---------- Post added at 06:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:58 PM ----------
whymista said:
I checked I had T-Mobile and at least the international one only supports 2 or 3g with them. It supports all of their noon or most of their non LTE bands but only one of the LTE which means no LTE. I finally got everything working on att including MMS. just took a few days att recognized the device as essentially a flip phone and only capable of 2g. After talking to the a few times they simply changed some settings on their end and I'm more than happy with it. I wouldn't even wait for the US version assuming it ever comes.
Yut kill
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The vast majority of AT&T's LTE markets still primarily use FDD Band 17, which isn't supported by the International version. You're fortunate that you're in a metropolitan area that supports a lesser used band that's included in the International version. My region and my roaming areas are all FDD Band 17 only. You may have issues when you have to roam in other areas of the US.
whymista said:
I checked I had T-Mobile and at least the international one only supports 2 or 3g with them. It supports all of their noon or most of their non LTE bands but only one of the LTE which means no LTE. I finally got everything working on att including MMS. just took a few days att recognized the device as essentially a flip phone and only capable of 2g. After talking to the a few times they simply changed some settings on their end and I'm more than happy with it. I wouldn't even wait for the US verssion assuming it ever comes.
Yut kill
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's only one AT&T 4G FDD band supported by the International version of the V10--FDD Band 5, which isn't supported on the vast majority of AT&T's LTE network. Keep your eye on the network status of your phone. You may find as you travel around your city that you fall back to 3G data at times as many towers in metro areas that have some support for FDD Bands 2,4 or 5 remain FDD Band 17 only. Here's a list of US/Canadian carrier cellular bands. https://www.signalbooster.com/pages/what-are-the-cellular-frequencies-of-cell-phone-carriers-in-usa-canada
mke1973 said:
There's only one AT&T 4G FDD band supported by the International version of the V10--FDD Band 5, which isn't supported on the vast majority of AT&T's LTE network. Keep your eye on the network status of your phone. You may find as you travel around your city that you fall back to 3G data at times as many towers in metro areas that have some support for FDD Bands 2,4 or 5 remain FDD Band 17 only. Here's a list of US/Canadian carrier cellular bands. https://www.signalbooster.com/pages...quencies-of-cell-phone-carriers-in-usa-canada
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been I'm Dallas, Arlington and fort Worth and cities in between and never dropped below hspa+. It also supports band 2,4,12 and 17 which are all LTE. The only issue I had was that because the phone is unrecognized it was automatically put in as a 2g device. I've traveled 60 some miles in a few directions each and almost always had LTE. It was partially trying to get the correct settings on the phone and then on their end.
Yut kill
---------- Post added at 04:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:54 AM ----------
[/COLOR]
whymista said:
I've been I'm Dallas, Arlington and fort Worth and cities in between and never dropped below hspa+. It also supports band 2,4,12 and 17 which are all LTE. The only issue I had was that because the phone is unrecognized it was automatically put in as a 2g device. I've traveled 60 some miles in a few directions each and almost always had LTE. It was partially trying to get the correct settings on the phone and then on their end.
Yut kill
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The International/Global version of the V10 supports 4G FDD bands 1/3/5/8/38/39/41. https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/ARa6n/huawei-honor-view-10-global-dual-sim-td-lte-bkl-l09-128gb You are falling off LTE because only FDD band 5 is supported by AT&T, and then only in some metropolitan areas, and then only in areas of those cities with congestion issues. (Technically, HSPA+ is 3G, granted souped up 3G speeds but not with data rates as high as 4G.)
ermacwins said:
No EIS or OIS is definitely a con
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Added to OP
whymista said:
Carrier aggregation is supported I see it as an option on mine and its on. This is in the US however.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
saifi2649 said:
Lack of carrier aggregation is the only reason stopping me to buy Honor View 10. I tried to find the info everywhere even Honor India support is clueless if CA is available in this device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even I'm still clueless despite me asking in various threads, no honor guys have data. I am sure in Indian market its already selling in big nos. No answer usually means no native CA support on 3/5/40 bands!
Thanks for your region specific inputs on LTE @mke1973 @whymista @CertifiedBlyndGuy
This is actually a huge issue, just like OP3 got LTE+ CA support in US/EU bands it never got CA on 3/5/40 Indian bands despite selling in huge no. Having such region-specific models hampers long-term dev, which Honor should workaround with better designed universal bands-supported phones like MI MIX2.
mke1973 said:
At this point, the V10 for the US/North America is vaporware. It was supposed to have launched on 8 January along side the International and Indian versions. That was the statement made at the 5 December London event. Then the V10 page disappeared from Honor's US website and suddenly the US/North American version launch date and price weren't going to be made available. Very recently, the V10 page reloaded on Honor's US site, but it doesn't contain any specs about the 4G FDD bands that will be supported. It should be more than AT&T's bands since it should be able to support Canada (Mexico pretty much uses AT&T bands)--T Mobile's established FDD bands should be supported, but Samsung will probably remain the only brand including radios for T Mobile's new spectrum in phones this year. Honor needs to post all the 4G FDD bands in the specs, it's not acceptable to only say FDD--that gives absolutely no information on carrier support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not vaporware if it's already been released somewhere -- that refers to prototype hardware/software that never sees the light of day. Anyways, what I read from the official statement was that the "International" release (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and India) was January 8th, with the US launch to be announced at a later time. I think some people saw "international" and immediately thought it included the US.
As we get our new devices, we will have many conversations and opinions about 5G vs LTE, battery life on both protocols, previous speeds, etc.
It's my hope to gather data about these topics.
I propose we keep the following data sets available:
Location: ( Ex: Vcitoria,Tx 77901)
4GLTE Speeds on Current device: ( Ex: One Plus 7T 30 Mbps down / 5 Mbps down) Screenshots ?)
5G Speeds on OP7TP5GME:... Ridiculous acronym....( Ex: One Plus 7T 300 Mbps down / 50 Mbps down) We wish! ( Screenshots ?)
App or website used: ( Speedtest by Ookla.apk or Fast.com)
Battery Life stats after Full Charge on 5G and normal use: ( Not necessary, but would add insight to data set)(Screenshots ?)
I will follow this protocol on 12/11 or 12/12 once device is received
I will unlock my bootloader, if possible I will root and convert to international and also re-eport my findings after conversion.
Can you still use 5g after converting to international?
Mine is coming Tuesday. No 5G in McAllen yet but can report 4G speeds.
Interested if 5G still works after converting to international.
buckym said:
Can you still use 5g after converting to international?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
100% DO NOT quote me on this, I'm just assuming. It should still work since 5G is a hardware thing and not a software thing. BUT I could see it not working after messing around with the software to convert to international. This is a really good question, because I have had a 6T and now a 7 Pro with T-Mobile and have converted both over to international. I just messaged T-Mobile to see about getting the 7T Pro McLaren, but if I can't convert it to international and still have 5G then it's a no go for that phone.
I bought the T-Mobile McLaren 5G today. I'm really impressed with it so far. I will post some speed tests from Boise Idaho tomorrow when I'm in a better coverage area.
Sent from my HD1925 using Tapatalk
FYI
MOD Edit - screenshot with phone/IMEI visible removed
seniorstew said:
FYI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might want to edit that do it isn't showing your number unless you liked getting spammed by spammers/scammers that saw your number on here. You might want to do the same with the IMEI since that is tied to your account.
There is also a Day 1 patch that upgrades security patch to November 1.
I'd actually really like to know if 5G works after conversion if possible as well. I hate the TMO splash screens and would like the faster updates.
As long as it's reversible, I'll try it when I get mine.
Has anyone managed to get the 5G bootloader unlocked? I got TMO to sim unlock the phone, which allows it to be unlocked, but i cant find info on the normal BIN unlock for this phone.
Bildo41383 said:
Has anyone managed to get the 5G bootloader unlocked? I got TMO to sim unlock the phone, which allows it to be unlocked, but i cant find info on the normal BIN unlock for this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. You have to get the bootloader unlock token from OnePlus before you can do anything. It's the dumbest thing I've ever heard of. LOL. I learned my lesson to never buy carrier phones. Miss the good ol days. Ok, venting done. So yeah, you have to submit for a token after getting your SIM unlocked here...https://www.oneplus.com/unlock_token. Oh, and it will take at least 7 days! LMAO.
EDIT: To add, once the token is received and the bootloader is unlocked, it should be very simple to root via magisk method. Any guide for the 7t pro model should suffice.
Couple screen shots. I was testing my phone against my wife's S10 plus and hers was faster than mine. Mine said 5G but I don't think that's here yet.
The two screen shots are both my phone, one with 5G on and one off. With it off mine is decently faster than the S10.
This is the same results i have gotten, nearly receive as fast on many test
eep1 said:
Couple screen shots. I was testing my phone against my wife's S10 plus and hers was faster than mine. Mine said 5G but I don't think that's here yet.
The two screen shots are both my phone, one with 5G on and one off. With it off mine is decently faster than the S10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know it odd cause I'm getting the exact opposite results as you my 5G speeds are anywhere between 80 and 180 megabits per second. But when I'm on 4G I'm tapping out at like 30 to 40 on speed tests. another weird thing that I've noticed and I'm not sure if it's the apps or the phone or what but when I try to use apps like Spotify YouTube or any app that loads something from the web and I'm on 5G the apps load considerably slower then they used to with 4G
My speeds on 5G actually went down (and quite a bit). I've switched to LTE only.
5g Tacoma,WA
Faster 5g speeds
I had a thought, the current 5G uses band 4 just for connecting and 71 for service. So, since I don't actually have 5G the phone thinks it has a 5G connection so isn't concerned with a fast connection on band 4 since it think the real connection is on 71. I turn off the non existent 5G and the phone negotiates a full connection on 4.
Or I could be completely wrong.
js042507 said:
Nope. You have to get the bootloader unlock token from OnePlus before you can do anything. It's the dumbest thing I've ever heard of. LOL. I learned my lesson to never buy carrier phones. Miss the good ol days. Ok, venting done. So yeah, you have to submit for a token after getting your SIM unlocked here...https://www.oneplus.com/unlock_token. Oh, and it will take at least 7 days! LMAO.
EDIT: To add, once the token is received and the bootloader is unlocked, it should be very simple to root via magisk method. Any guide for the 7t pro model should suffice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually applied for the Bin Token on the 11th, so I should have it in a couple days.
Bildo41383 said:
I actually applied for the Bin Token on the 11th, so I should have it in a couple days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My "7 days" are tomorrow. So hopefully, tomorrow night. I'll report back if it comes.
js042507 said:
My "7 days" are tomorrow. So hopefully, tomorrow night. I'll report back if it comes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How's your experience with the phone so far? I feel like the battery life isn't as great as expected, sometimes it drains very fast. Also, the fingerprint sensor seems a bit buggy to me.
got the phone yesterday. I really like it. I know it has support for ATT 5G based on some information online (1 out of three bands).
I have tried all the tricks in the book, changed the APN every which way and then contacted ATT to get 5G. They have tried all kinds of things but apparently it's not working.
Anybody else here from the US with 5G success? Curious to hear your story, better even if it's on ATT.
cheers
derausgewanderte said:
got the phone yesterday. I really like it. I know it has support for ATT 5G based on some information online (1 out of three bands).
I have tried all the tricks in the book, changed the APN every which way and then contacted ATT to get 5G. They have tried all kinds of things but apparently it's not working.
Anybody else here from the US with 5G success? Curious to hear your story, better even if it's on ATT.
cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the answer is no. Maybe there are areas for which this phone might work, definitely not here. ATT support tried all their tricks with the IMEI but they couldn't get past their stupid regulated 5G certification I assume. I am switching - Any suggestions? I know that OnePlus Pro works on T Mobile.
cheers
I had similar problem. I htink that AT&T has done a huge bait and switch, and taken any phones not sold by them, and classified them as 3g phones.
My redmi note prog (1.5 yrs old) just went into this 3g mode, and AT&T support claims they cant do anything for this...
very frustrating.
any lawyers around for a class action suit!??????
I couldnt even get my problem escalated... they said forget about
markbnj said:
I had similar problem. I htink that AT&T has done a huge bait and switch, and taken any phones not sold by them, and classified them as 3g phones.
My redmi note prog (1.5 yrs old) just went into this 3g mode, and AT&T support claims they cant do anything for this...
very frustrating.
any lawyers around for a class action suit!??????
I couldnt even get my problem escalated... they said forget about
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, I'd definitely report this to the Consumer Court. I just went through an ordeal with Samsung and they were responsive. It's a decent amount of work to go through this. If they truly move these phones to 3G that's a big foul. I would definitely switch. I returned my Xiaomi and switched to a Pixel 5a which works under ATT.
good luck
here is the link
Complaints about consumer products and services | USAGov
Learn how to file a complaint about products or services including phone and cable, your car, and online purchases. Complain about phone and text scams.
www.usa.gov
it will likely go through your local state office as it did with my complaint. They took the information I provided and established a resolution.
derausgewanderte said:
the answer is no. Maybe there are areas for which this phone might work, definitely not here. ATT support tried all their tricks with the IMEI but they couldn't get past their stupid regulated 5G certification I assume. I am switching - Any suggestions? I know that OnePlus Pro works on T Mobile.
cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Setting aside for the moment the ATT tricks (left them in Feb 2020 glad I did)....it depends on what bands are actually being broadcast by the carrier in your area. LTE-wise I remember ATT in my area would only broadcast on bands 2 and 17. 5 was almost non-existent...4 was not at all available. Tmobile on the other hand is big on band 4 in my area, 66 and 41 (due to Sprint) and also on 2. I had a mi max 3 some time back and since it has 4 but no 2 and 17 it did not get LTE on ATT but would have worked fairly well w T-mobile in my area (then I was with ATT)
check
Cellular Tower and Signal Map
CellMapper is a crowd-sourced cellular tower and coverage mapping service.
www.cellmapper.net
Can someone help me with understanding this?....or is AT&T making me buy another phone for no reason? I actually left AT&T and went to Cricket wireless because they use the same towers and no other carrier has reception in my rural area. ANYWAY, they made me buy a Samsung A02s because it will work on the network after dropping 3g. The A02s is so slow and junky! I checked the bands that these phones use and the A21s has better specs. WHY CAN'T I USE THE A21S NOW? Can anyone help me with this? Can rooting help me somehow?
Thanks
Depends on the model number.
AT&T has a white list of all compatible phones.
Been using AT&T for 12 years and generally have very little trouble with the network. Reps can be more challenging however I believe you can never get enough assertiveness training. As such I have on occasions been quit the terror for AT&T. Last 3 years though have been calm.
They value long term customers, a plus and reps are given a wide leeway to issue credits. However you need to stay on top of things especially if changing plans. Some reps aren't up to speed.
The model of the A21s is SM-A217F/DS and the model of the slow junky one is SM-A025AZ. I just can't believe the junky SM-A025AZ is more apt to work.
trektech1701 said:
The model of the A21s is SM-A217F/DS and the model of the slow junky one is SM-A025AZ. I just can't believe the junky SM-A025AZ is more apt to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As per the link I provided in my last post it's because it lacks support for band 14. Therefore it's incompatible with AT&T's network. Not sure if this is the cause but if true there's nothing to be done. AT&T supports most popular unlocked models. They will add more models but those will likely be new releases.
This is the stuff that gives me a headache when buying a phone other than through AT&T. Never 100% sure it will work until you slam the sim card it and boot up. With my unlocked N975U1 it went straight online without needing any configuration changes other than the sim card, good as it gets. Before buying a phone always check AT&T's current white list... stay within those parameters.
The good news is the AT&T 4g VoLTE has better bandwidth than ever, no 5G needed. I can stream vids at any time. The implementation of 5G has opened up 4G bandwidth more so it's a win-win for the 4G users.